ALGOP passes resolution opposing gambling expansion | Alabama News

MONTGOMERY — Despite protests from party executive committee members State Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley) and Jenifer Lovvorn, wife of State House Rules Committee chairman State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn), the Alabama Republican Party overwhelmingly voted to oppose the expansion of gambling on Saturday at its summer business meeting.

Proponents overcame a failed motion brought by Jenifer Lovvorn and seconded by Lee County Revenue Commissioner Oline Price, wife of State Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika), to indefinitely table the resolution and approved it by a 74%-to-26% margin.

Both Joe Lovvorn and Randy Price were proponents of a failed 2024 effort by the Alabama Legislature to pass a so-called comprehensive gambling bill.

Opponents of the resolution argued it undermined the efforts of Republican lawmakers who were elected to make decisions about the gambling issue. They also criticized proponents who claimed past legislation would have expanded casino gambling to 10 locations within the state of Alabama.

Proponents of the resolution emphasized the resolution did not oppose a so-called “clean lottery.”

Resolution as follows:

Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of “The Jeff Poor Show,” heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile’s FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.

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